Our Story & Team
We believe great coaching changes lives.
Whether your goal is to make the team, learn the fundamentals, build confidence, or simply enjoy the game — we're here to support every step of the journey.
Built by Coaches & Parents
Grupup was created by people who've been on both sides of the session — as trainers logging thousands of hours, and as parents trying to find the right fit for their kids. We know what athletes, families, and coaches actually need.
Selective by Design
We're deliberate about who coaches on Grupup. Every trainer goes through a review process and must demonstrate real experience working with youth athletes. Quality over volume — always.
Mission Driven
In a youth sports world that can feel transactional and overwhelming, we aim to be something different. Every coach-athlete connection on Grupup matters to us. Hearing from athletes who reach their goals because of a coach they found here — that's what drives us.
Meet the Founder
Neil Crawford
Founder & CEO
Neil has spent years coaching youth athletes and building communities around sport. He created Grupup after seeing firsthand how hard it was for families to find quality, affordable group training — and how isolated great local coaches were from the players who needed them most.
Favorite sports memory
"The moment a player gets it — when something clicks after weeks of work. There's nothing like it."
Our Team
Jordan Ellis
Head of Community
Multi-sport athlete turned community builder. Jordan manages coach onboarding and makes sure every trainer on Grupup is set up to succeed.
Favorite memory
"My first travel tournament. Three days, new city, new friends — that was the moment I fell in love with team sports."
Priya Shah
Product
Youth soccer parent who got tired of the back-and-forth of finding coaches. Priya joined Grupup to build the booking experience she always wished existed.
Favorite memory
"Watching my daughter score her first goal. She looked up at me from across the field and we both just started laughing."
Marcus Webb
Engineering
Former college athlete who now builds the platform. Marcus keeps Grupup fast, reliable, and ready for whenever the next session drops.
Favorite memory
"Running out of the tunnel for my first home game. Pure noise, pure adrenaline."
Advisors
Sandra Okafor
Youth sports operations expert with 15+ years running regional training programs across the Southeast.
David Park
Co-founded a marketplace platform connecting coaches and athletes across multiple sports verticals.
Renata Voss
Managing Director at a sports-focused venture fund. Former collegiate swimmer and youth swim coach.
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